Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and Bollywood actress Vaani Kapoor have spoken out against the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed multiple lives, mostly tourists. Their upcoming film, Abir Gulaal, has become embroiled in controversy following the tragic incident, with calls for a boycott gaining momentum.
Taking to social media, Vaani Kapoor expressed her grief, stating, “I have been numb, at a loss for words since the time I saw the attack on innocent people in Pahalgam. Gutted. Devastated. My prayers are with the families.” Meanwhile, Fawad Khan, who is making his much-anticipated return to Bollywood with Abir Gulaal, also shared his sorrow, writing, “Deeply saddened to hear the news of the heinous attack in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrifying incident, and we pray for strength and healing for their families in this difficult time.”
Despite their statements, the backlash against Abir Gulaal continues to grow. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has reinforced its long-standing ban on Pakistani artists, citing national security concerns. In a fresh directive, FWICE declared, “Despite the ongoing directive, we’ve been made aware of the recent collaboration with Pakistani actor Fawad Khan for the Hindi film Abir Gulaal. In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam, FWICE is once again compelled to issue a blanket boycott on all Pakistani artists, singers, and technicians participating in any Indian film or entertainment projects. This includes performances or collaborations occurring anywhere in the world.”
The controversy surrounding Abir Gulaal has intensified, with digital protests and industry bodies taking a strong stance against its release. The film, directed by Aarti S Bagdi, is scheduled to hit theaters on May 9, but its future remains uncertain amid growing opposition.
As the debate continues, the entertainment industry finds itself at the center of a larger conversation about cross-border collaborations and the impact of geopolitical tensions on artistic expression.
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